Category: $51 +

Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé

97
Champagne Henriot
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Champagne Rose
Retail Price: $70

Tasting Notes: A stunning example of a world class rosé Champagne. From the brilliant salmon pink color, to the fine and delicate mousse, you can see its pedigree. Delicate strawberry and cherry on the nose are followed by a palate of complexity and elegance. A long, balanced finish confirms the wine’s pedigree and class. Outstanding.
Champagne Henriot Brut Rosé

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Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2014

94
Ken Wright Cellars
Fanciful Name: Shea Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Yamhill Carlton District
Retail Price: $64.99

Tasting Notes: Top-shelf, elegant Pinot Noir, medium-bodied with complex berry and spice notes, followed by a long, lush finish.
Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2014

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Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

98
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard
Fanciful Name: Summum
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Oregon
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $89.99

Tasting Notes: As far as I am concerned, this is the best white wine made in America. Their efforts to create a Grand Cru the likes of white Burgundy have been realized. The most precise American Chardonnay I have ever tasted, this wine dances on the palate on the way to a long, satisfying finish. The epitome of balance and elegance, no Chardonnay you try will be able to match.
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

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Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

96
Bouchard Père & Fils
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Beaune Clos de la Mousse
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits finesse, and breeding. Delicious now, it could certainly improve with a little more bottle time, to bring out more of its elegant characteristics. One of those “don’t-pass-this-up” type of wines.
Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

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Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

96
Gallo Estate
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Northern Sonoma
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: A dense ruby purple, the nose is dominated by lovely black berry and plum fruit, with just a hint of toasted oak. Solid on the palate, balanced by its acidity. A brilliant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but capable of aging.
Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

94
Emblem
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $60

Tasting Notes: From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstanding nose, with lots of black fruit, spice and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long finish maintains its balance throughout.
Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Chimney Rock Red 2012

95
Chimney Rock
Fanciful Name: Elevage
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: There are aromas of raspberry, cherry and rosé petal up front, followed by hints of the gravelly soils of the AVA. The rich sweet/tart berry flavors of the Merlot coat the palate, followed by the “la garrigue” of the Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds nuances of blackberry and spice with firm tannins on the finish. The unique terroir of Stag’s Leap lingers over all, giving the wine depth and complexity. While approachable now, this wine will reward you if cellared for 3-5 more years.
Chimney Rock Red 2012

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Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Brandlin
Fanciful Name: Mount Veeder
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with floral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit flavors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy finish.
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

94
Achaval Ferrer
Fanciful Name: Finca Bella Vista
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Perdriel
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: Move over Bordeaux: This is a keeper! Brooding, dark and powerful, with ripe tannins, elegant minerality and dark chocolate. A fine example of a collectible cellar wine.
Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista Malbec 2010

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Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

94
Gottardi
Fanciful Name: Blauburgunder
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige - Suditrol
Retail Price: $62

Tasting Notes: A lovely pinot noir from a region known for its cool climate. Supple, with good acid and tannins, the wine showcases the variety, while demonstrating what northern Italy can bring to the pinot noir table.
Gottardi Blauburgunder 2012

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Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

95
Wren Hop Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Mortal Coil
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $72

Tasting Notes: Complex black and red fruit aromas jump out of the glass. Medium-bodied with beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. Great varietal character and a long rich finish.
Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

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Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

96
Stewart Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: Enjoy the work of Paul Hobbs at less money. Cellar-worthy choice. Rich and plush with even tannins. Deep, dark and brooding with a long finish.
Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

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